Operations Accounting Manager Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit is growing! KSN is a well-established, leading law firm dedicated to the representation of homeowner, condominium, and community associations, with offices in Illinois, Indiana, and Florida. We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Accounting Department at our Lincolnshire headquarters.

This is a hands-on leadership role. The Accounting Manager supervises and develops the accounting team, owns the monthly close and financial reporting cycle, and serves as a trusted partner to the Executive Director, COO, and firm leadership. The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years supervising staff, and is equally comfortable coaching a team, strengthening processes, and rolling up their sleeves when needed.

Why KSN:

• Leadership with real ownership: co-manage the department and shape its processes.

• Stability and growth: a respected, expanding firm with decades of experience serving community associations.

• Work-life balance: a 35-hour workweek (Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm). A hybrid schedule may be available after the initial in-office training period.Competitive compensation: salary range of $100,000 to $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, medical expense reimbursement program, short- and long-term disability, basic life/AD&D, voluntary life, critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage, plus a retirement plan for eligible employees.

Schedule: The position requires a minimum of 60 days of in-office training. After successful completion, the role may transition to a hybrid schedule, as determined by the manager.

Duties/Responsibilities: The Accounting Manager will oversee the assigned functions of the Accounting Department and is expected to learn and be able to perform each role within the department to provide coverage and ensure continuity.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, coach, and develop Accounting Department staff, including setting priorities, delegating work, and providing ongoing feedback.

• Conduct performance reviews, establish individual goals, and support the professional growth of team members.

• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of accounting staff; cross-train the team to ensure coverage across all functions.

• Serve as the department's escalation point for questions from attorneys, staff, vendors, and firm leadership.

• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement within the department.

Financial Reporting, Close & Audit

• Own the monthly close process, ensuring timely and accurate completion of all close activities.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

• Coordinate and serve as primary point of contact for external audits.

• Coordinate tax filings with the firm's outside accountants, ensuring timely submission of required documentation.

Banking, Cash Management & Accounts Payable

• Oversee banking activity and perform/review monthly bank reconciliations for all firm operating accounts.

• Review and approve monthly reconciliations of firm credit card accounts.

• Oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and payments and appropriate approval controls.

Budgeting & Fixed Assets

• Assist in the preparation of the firm's annual budget in partnership with the Executive Director and COO, and monitor actual performance against budget throughout the year.

• Maintain the fixed asset ledger, including tracking additions, disposals, and depreciation schedules.

Process Improvement & Internal Controls

• Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and leverage accounting/ERP system capabilities, including automation and reporting enhancements.

• Support special projects and system initiatives as assigned by firm leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years supervising or leading accounting staff.

• Demonstrated experience managing a monthly close and preparing financial statements.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and general accounting principles.

• Prior experience coordinating external audits and working with outside tax accountants.

• Experience with bank reconciliations, accounts payable, budgeting, and fixed asset accounting.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with accounting/ERP software.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach a team and work directly with vendors and firm leadership.

• Strong organizational skills and sound judgment, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.

• High ethical standards and the ability to handle confidential financial information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Accounting experience in a law firm or professional services environment.

• CPA or CMA designation, or active progress toward certification.

• Experience leading accounting system implementations/upgrades.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, you MUST apply at:

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/1300059/Kovitz-Shifrin-Nesbit/Accounting-Manager 

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DISCLAIMERS:

Equal Employment Opportunity

KSN is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including the laws of Illinois, Florida, and Indiana.

Reasonable Accommodation

KSN is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act, and applicable state disability laws. Applicants or employees who require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, or to participate in the application process, should contact Human Resources to initiate the interactive accommodation process.

Employment Eligibility

All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. KSN participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of individuals hired by the firm, as required by federal law.

At-Will Employment

This job description is not a contract of employment and does not guarantee employment for any specific duration. Employment with KSN is at-will: either the employee or the Firm may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason not prohibited by law, with or without notice. This document does not create express or implied contractual rights and may be modified at the Firm's discretion without prior notice.